The Serpent in the Woodpile

By Pastor Bill Cox
One of the recurring themes in the study of addiction and substance abuse is the effects addiction has on the family of the addict.

In studying online courses at Rio Salado College pertaining to chemical dependency counseling I have discovered a whole lexicon of terms has been coined, such as co-dependency, enablers and adult children of alcoholics.

While we tend to dismiss these terms as psycho-babble, and tend to dismiss the failure of social scientists to take into account mankind’s inherent sinfulness – in many ways, secular studies serve to confirm the biblical picture of the effects of sin and bondage.

The theme of this issue of the Bullseye is “Declaring Revival to the Next Generation,” but what the strongholds of sin and bondage bring instead is generational curses.

In our Overcomers Bible Study we deal with the dynamics of addiction (along with other topics) and focus on the power of the Gospel to set the captives free.

This idea was germinated by Pastor Fred Rubi, as he saw the number of people coming into the church with severe problems such as substance abuse and other bondages.

Our concern is to see that individuals get past some of these issues and find productive lives of freedom and blessing in Christ. The service is open to all, and is becoming a fruitful place where we see people helped.

We have a number of people who assist in the ministry and we are contending for a caring atmosphere of deliverance and hope.

In an article in “Counselor, the Magazine for Addiction Professionals,” Jan Marie Werblin writes: “A significant advance in understanding the role of genetics in addiction occurred in 1990 when researchers linked the D2 dopamine receptor (DRD2 gene) to severe alcoholism. Studies of the brain showed that those with the A1 variation of the DRD2 gene have significantly fewer dopamine receptors in pleasure centers of the brain.

“Persons who become addicted to drugs that increase dopamine levels do so to compensate for that deficiency. Subsequent studies have linked the A1 variation of the DRD2 gene to other addictions including, cocaine, amphetamine, heroin and nicotine.”

These studies suggest that people with this genetic trait are much more susceptible to addiction and likely to fall into severe forms of addiction.

Moses, many centuries ago, wrote in Exodus 20:5: “Thou shalt not bow thyself down to them [false gods], nor serve them; for I the Lord am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers unto the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me.”

This verse is often interpreted as the passing along of spiritual curses to succeeding generations due to involvement in certain activities. Many of us experienced this in our own lives as we grew up in alcoholic or substance abusing families and fell into this same bondage ourselves.

The wonderful truth of the Gospel, though, is that in Christ we can be set free from addictive curses and impart the blessing of God to our own children.

Another area of study in the chemical dependency field is the role that addiction plays in the dynamics of the family.

Al-Anon is a twelve-step program that was developed specifically to help family members cope with the dysfunction caused by having a substance abusing family member.

An article in “Recovery” magazine cites the effect of addiction on family roles and rules:

“Addiction may affect each family member or friend differently. Children of an addict may feel guilty and responsible for the problem, or at the very least, may feel different from their peers.

These children often experience depression and low self-esteem. Many of them attempt to deflect attention from the addiction by either acting too perfect (such as obsessing over impeccable grades) or by acting out with behaviors such as lying, stealing, fighting, or truancy.

“An addict’s spouse tends to become more preoccupied with the problems of the user than with her own health and well-being. The spouse very often denies her own interests, hobbies, and friends in order to focus on the ill person. Much time and effort is spent trying to keep things under control by protecting the addict from the consequences of abusing substances.

“A wife may hide alcohol from her addicted husband or call in sick when he is under the influence or hung over. A husband may offer unwanted advice or try to solve problems himself.

“Spouses frequently deny that the problem is serious, justifying it by convincing themselves things aren’t that bad – after all, everyone has problems of one sort or another. Ultimately, the spouse may suffer from low self-esteem, anger, and depression.”

The Bible makes clear that the inevitable consequence of sin and bondage will affect all the family members to some degree.

Proverbs 11:29 succinctly states, “He that troubles his own house shall inherit the wind.”

Thank God once again that these dynamics can be changed by the power of the Gospel and that those who have grown up in dysfunctional families can find love and acceptance in the family of God.

The Bible clearly records conversions affecting people’s lives such as Jephthah, the illegitimate son of a prostitute who went on to become a powerful warrior and leader; or Jabez, who was birthed in sorrow, but cried out to God for enlargement, and God granted his request.

While we believe the Gospel power can change any life, we need to be aware of the effects that addiction and substance abuse has on modern-day life, and contend to see people set free.

The Overcomers Bible Study meets Saturdays at 6:00 pm in the modular classroom. For more information see Pastor Bill Cox or call: 270-5736, 269-6131.